Dell Unveils Ivy Bridge Desktops, Laptops

Dell Announces New XPS and Vostro Desktops, and new Inspiron Special Edition laptops with the latest Intel 3rd generation quad-core processors

Dell today unveiled a slew of new systems sporting the latest Intel third-generation Core i5 and i7 quad-core processors, announcing two new desktops and two new laptops that, taken together, aim to provide power and performance to nearly every demographic imaginable.

So families, multimedia professionals, and businesses, pay attention: if you need a new system that can handle complex tasks or immersive entertainment activities, Dell should have you covered, at least for the foreseeable future.

In addition to its new Dell XPS 8500 gaming desktop (starting at $749), Dell bolstered its portfolio of performance systems by releasing a business-oriented counterpart, the Vostro 470, a mini-tower desktop also equipped with Intel "Ivy Bridge" processing power and formidable discrete graphics options from Nvidia and AMD.

Like its predecessor, the Vostro 460, the Vostro 470 is geared toward small businesses. In addition to its new processor, the newest Vostro features a speedy USB 3.0 interface and a maximum 2TB of storage as well as 12GB memory capacity. Pricing is the chief distinguishing factor between the XPS 8500 and the Vostro 470, and the latter aims to deliver a potent cocktail of power and affordability that businesses can use for tackling processor-intensive tasks like financial modeling, data mining, video editing, Web development, and graphic design without leveraging all of their assets.

On the laptop side of the equation, Dell also announced that it is expanding its Inspiron line of laptops with the Inspiron 14R and 15R Special Editions. Featuring enhanced multimedia capabilities and premium audio, the anodized aluminum laptops are aimed at families who want Ivy Bridge processing power without having to take out a second mortgage to get it. Options include discrete graphics, high-resolution displays, and mSATA SSD storage.

Businesses: the Vostro 470 starts at $549 and is available now at Dell.com and select retail stores. Families: you may need to wait if the newest Inspiron laptops tickle your fancythey're on sale today, but only in select countries in Asia. Don't lose too much sleep over it, thoughDell has promised that they'll be available in more regions in the coming weeks.